Governor Adeleke’s Warning: “Osun Voters Will Stop Electoral Robbers” Ahead of 2026 Governorship Race

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a powerful warning to political opponents, declaring that the people of the state are ready to use their votes to “stop electoral robbers” in the lead-up to the 2026 gubernatorial election. The statement, released from the state capital on Monday, marks one of the earliest signs of a heated political atmosphere as the next governorship race draws near.

The governor’s message was part of a strong appeal for mass participation in the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise. He urged all eligible citizens to not only register or update their voter details but to also make sure they have their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ready. In a direct and humanized call to action, Adeleke described the 2026 election as pivotal and said voters must use their PVCs as a weapon to “prove that good governance is a possibility.”

The statement comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun has already begun engaging with political parties and stakeholders. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, has reassured the public of INEC’s commitment to a transparent and fair process, a commitment that Governor Adeleke is banking on as he mobilizes his support base.

While Governor Adeleke did not directly name any political party, his comments are widely seen as a message to the main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election. Political analysts see the statement as a strategic move to energize the PDP base and frame the upcoming election as a fight for democratic integrity, rather than a simple political contest. The governor’s ability to mobilize voters through this message will be a crucial factor in his bid for a second term.

This strategic call to action serves as a proactive measure to safeguard his party’s interests and reinforces the idea that the will of the people, expressed through the ballot box, is the ultimate authority.